Barcelona Lead 3–2 at Halftime Against Seoul as Hansi Flick Swaps Entire Lineup for Second Half
Barcelona took a 3–2 lead into the break in their friendly against FC Seoul, but the bigger story came moments later, as head coach Hansi Flick made wholesale changes for the second half—replacing all 11 players who started the match.
Among the outgoing players was Ronald Araujo, who wore the captain’s armband in the first half. With the full squad rotation, a new captain was appointed for the second 45 minutes, marking a fresh start and giving several fringe and youth players a chance to impress under the new manager.
Flick’s decision to switch the entire lineup reflects both a tactical test and an opportunity to assess squad depth during preseason preparations.
Fans Hail Gavi as ‘Natural-Born Leader’ Amid Talk of Barcelona Captaincy Shake-Up
Barcelona fans erupted with praise after young midfielder Gavi wore the captain’s armband during the second half of the club’s friendly against FC Seoul. Following a full lineup change at halftime, Gavi stepped into the leadership role—and supporters instantly took notice.
“It fits him so well,” one fan posted.
“I’d take captain Gavi over Ter Stegen any day,” wrote another.
Many echoed the sentiment, calling the 19-year-old a “natural-born leader.”
The buzz comes amid growing speculation that Barcelona may be considering a shake-up in their leadership hierarchy. According to reports, the club is debating whether to strip Marc-André ter Stegen of the captaincy as part of a broader cultural reset under new manager Hansi Flick.
While nothing has been confirmed, Gavi’s poise and presence on the pitch have clearly made an impression. For many fans, his passion, intensity, and deep connection to the club make him the ideal candidate to wear the armband permanently in the future.
Whether or not the armband changes hands for good, one thing is certain: Gavi’s leadership qualities aren’t going unnoticed.
